Conclusion:
The RedPower In Dash Radio/DVD/CD/MP3 Player with 3.5" TFT has many strong points that make it very fun to have along for a ride. MP3 playback from your choice of SD/MMC cards, USB flash drives, or CD is not only very convenient, but sounds great. DVD functionality is also a strong point, as you are provided features like a player designed for the home, coupled with audio and video that exceeded my expectations. CD audio and AM radio were also enjoyable, but the more novel features make the RedPower 990DVD-4 appealing.
Although there were many positive things to consider, it wasn't all good. Issues include terrible FM reception and a bass heavy equalizer. There is also the issue of the SD/MMC slot and USB port potentially interfering with your car's dashboard trim (as it did on mine), and the fact that the display is just poorly utilized during MP3, radio, and CD operation. And of all the issues, the one that may seem the most trivial that was the most annoying to me was that there is no clock! Of all the issues, some may be personal preference and others may be isolated incidences, but they are all worth considering.
Geeks.com carries the RedPower In Dash for $189.99 which really is an appealing price. Similar units do sell for much more, but hopefully these pricier models are more refined and don't have many (if any) issues at all. That said, if you are looking for a budget conscious way to install an entertainment center in your dashboard, and can overlook a few rough edges, this is an excellent choice.
Given the overall impressive feature set, and rock bottom price, the RedPower In Dash Radio/DVD/CD/MP3 Player with 3.5" TFT is almost a product to get really excited about. The FM reception issue may be related to a defect with the review sample, and the lack of a clock may not matter to others, but I do have to knock down the final rating for these two issues. At just $189.99 I might be willing to buy a separate clock, and if the FM issue was an isolated incident, I'd give it a final rating of "Recommended". If anyone else out there has one of these units, I would be very interested to hear your experiences!
Pros:
» Great sound quality
» Attractive styling
» Removable front face
» Excellent MP3 features:
» Play from MMC/SD card, USB drive, or CD
» Files do not have to be in root directory of drive
» Navigate files and folders on screen
» Supports variable bit rates
» Excellent DVD features:
» Full featured controls similar to a home DVD player
» Automatically resumes where you left off last
» Stereo sound was impressive
» Image quality isn't super sharp, but it looks good for a 3.5" screen
» Supports many DVD and CD formats
» Nice selection of I/O; extra monitor output, backup camera input, auxiliary input, etc.
» Removable front face
» Useful wireless remote
Cons:
» Extremely poor FM reception
» No clock
» SD/MMC card slot and USB port may interfere with dashboard trim
» Display should be much more functional during MP3, radio, and CD playback
» Equalizer was bass heavy - should have separate bass and treble controls
Special thanks to Geeks.com for providing the RedPower In Dash Radio/DVD/CD/MP3 Player with 3.5" TFT to Bigbruin.com for review!
Please drop by the Bigbruin.com Forum and feel free to post any comments or questions.
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